MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Longwitz, Butler (38th), Clarke, Fillingane, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Lee, Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON-RIDGELAND ACADEMY "LADY PATRIOTS" BASKETBALL TEAM AND COACH STEPHEN FORCE FOR WINNING THE MAIS AAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THE MAIS OVERALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) Coach Stephen Force beamed as he watched his MRA "Lady Patriots" celebrate on February 25, 2015, at A.E. Wood Coliseum in Clinton. The Lady Patriots (41-4) capped one of the most remarkable seasons in school history, a history that includes three other State Title runs, by holding off a fierce rally from a defending State Champion. The 2015 MAIS Champions deserved every minute of celebration after dethroning Presbyterian Christian School with a 41-38 win; and
WHEREAS, "This is the third time in four years we've been here," Coach Force said. "Those past trips, we've come up short, but not this time." A 9-0 run in the fourth quarter cut the Lady Patriot's lead in the final minute, but a bucket by Amber Landing and three clutch free-throws from Amber Sutton slammed the door. Guard Tatyana Lofton led MRA with 17 points. Amber Landing led the Lady Patriots with nine rebounds, and as a team, MRA held a decisive advantage on the boards with 26 rebounds (six offense, 20 defensive) to the Lady Bobcats' 15; and
WHEREAS, the title was the third for the Lady Patriots, who had already won the AAA North and AAA State Tournaments. Coach Force said he has coached teams that folded down the stretch when games got tight, but could not be prouder of the way his girls responded. The Lady Patriots defeated Bowling Green (Louisiana) 32-39 in the Semifinal round to earn the berth in the Championship round; and
WHEREAS, after four straight runner-up finishes in the regular season tournament, the Lady Patriots also held off Presbyterian Christian 38-31 to claim the MAIS Academy AAA State Championship on February 21, 2015, at East Rankin Academy. Dandy Dozen selection Tatyana Lofton had a game-high 13 points to lead MRA, the top-ranked team in Academy AAA; and
WHEREAS, the 2015 Lady Patriots Roster is: Lennis Barlow, Haylie Best, Carlie Kellems, Amber Landing, Tatyana Lofton, Amber Lowery, Jenny Lowrey, Allyson May, Amanda May, Anna Peoples, Rachel Russell, Brennan Steed, Aleah Sutton, Amber Sutton and Tolley Yoste; Coach Stephen Force; Assistant Coach Mark Alexander; and Student Assistant Colby Hamil; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Madison-Ridgeland Academy "Lady Patriots" Basketball Team and Coach Stephen Force for winning the MAIS AAA State Championship and for the MAIS Overall State Championship, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future successes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Stephen Force and Headmaster Tommy Thompson, forwarded to the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.